Artificial Intelligence

Perplexity Makes $34.5 Billion Bid for Google's Chrome Browser

Published AUG 13 2025

Story

Above: A Google Chrome logo displayed on a smartphone with a Comet Bowser logo by Perplexity. Image credit: Avishek Das/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images

The Facts

Artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI made an unsolicited $34.5 billion all-cash offer to acquire Google's Chrome browser on Tuesday, according to multiple reports confirmed by the company.
www.ft.com
CNBC
The bid amount significantly exceeds Perplexity's current valuation of $18 billion, with the company stating that multiple large venture capital funds have agreed to finance the transaction in full.
www.ft.com
TechCrunch
Perplexity's offer includes commitments to invest $3 billion over two years in Chrome development, maintain the open-source Chromium code, and keep Google as the default search engine without changing user preferences.
The Times of India
BBC News
The bid comes as Google faces potential forced divestiture of Chrome following a federal court ruling that found the company maintained an illegal monopoly in internet search through anticompetitive tactics.
www.ft.com
CNN
Chrome commands over 3 billion users worldwide and holds over 60% of the global browser market share, making it a strategic asset that feeds Google's advertising revenue through user data collection.
Fortune
The Times of India
This marks Perplexity's second major acquisition attempt in 2025, following its January proposal to merge with TikTok's US operations, while the company recently launched its own AI-powered browser called Comet.
Variety
New York Post
Reuters

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Perplexity strikes at Chrome's heart with Comet — an AI-powered browser that transforms passive searching into active assistance. While Google drowns users in endless links, Perplexity synthesizes answers with citations, completes tasks autonomously, and replaces antiquated search paradigms with intelligent conversation. It's David wielding artificial intelligence against Goliath's stagnant monopoly.

Productspace

Verge

Narrative B

Perplexity's $34.5 billion Chrome bid is theatrical desperation — a marketing stunt masquerading as serious business. With barely $18 billion in valuation and no sustainable path to leverage Chrome's 3.5 billion users, they're cosplaying as a tech giant while Google isn't even selling. It's performative ambition colliding with harsh reality.